Audient ASP8024 Heritage Edition 36 Ch Console/Producer Desk is a 36-channel fully analog in-line recording console with 24-bus routing, combined with the Producer's Desk (PD) module — a four-bay configuration (three 12-channel bays, master section, and PD bay) measuring approximately 239 cm wide and weighing around 166 kg. The Producer's Desk adds a dedicated horizontal work surface at console height for keyboard, mouse, or a DAW controller, integrating the hybrid studio workflow directly into the console's physical footprint. All signal path specifications, preamp circuit, EQ topology, Retro Iron mix bus, and VCA bus compressor are identical to the standard 36-channel configuration.
Producer's Desk — Hybrid Workflow at the Centre of the Console
The PD module occupies one standard bay width and presents a flat, ergonomically matched working surface at the same angle and height as the rest of the console. In its classical use, the producer occupied the PD for session notes and score annotation alongside the engineer; in a modern hybrid studio it becomes the mounting point for a keyboard, trackball, or DAW controller, eliminating a side table or separate keyboard stand from the room plan. Two PD modules side by side (Double-PD) can accommodate larger touch surfaces such as the Slate Raven or Avid S3. The PD bay can be positioned at any point in the console structure — centrally or as a side position for an assistant — specified at order. The module includes a walnut scripting tray consistent with the Heritage Edition finish.
In-Line at 36 Channels and Retro Iron Mix Bus
The in-line architecture delivers 80 inputs to the stereo bus at mixdown: two independent signal paths per channel (long fader for mic/line, short fader for DAW or tape return) plus four stereo returns in the master section — the figure from which the ASP8024 name derives. The four-band Dearden EQ with two fully parametric mid bands (40 Hz–20 kHz, ±15 dB, variable Q) and two shelving bands is splittable per channel independently. Retro Iron on the stereo bus output — Carnhill transformer and John Hardy 990C — delivers +28 dBu into 600 Ω at the mix insert send with Low Bump and High Lift EQ before the output faders. The VCA stereo bus compressor with adjustable threshold, ratio, auto-release, and GR metering operates post-insert, pre-fader. Fourteen aux sends (12 mono plus 2 cue), 8 subgroups, 36 record buses, and Penny & Giles 8000 series faders throughout. Supplied with a single ASP8120 Ultra power supply.
KEY FEATURES
- 36-channel in-line, 24-bus routing, 80 inputs to stereo bus at mixdown
- Producer's Desk module: full-width horizontal work surface in one bay, walnut scripting tray included
- PD accommodates keyboard, mouse, trackball, or DAW controller; Double-PD available for larger surfaces
- 36 discrete Class A mic preamps (Dearden design)
- 4-band splittable EQ per channel: 2 parametric bands (40 Hz–20 kHz, ±15 dB, variable Q) + 2 shelving
- Retro Iron: Carnhill transformer + John Hardy 990C output amplifier, Low Bump / High Lift EQ on mix bus, +28 dBu into 600 Ω at mix insert send
- VCA stereo bus compressor — adjustable threshold, ratio, auto-release, GR meter
- 14 aux sends (12 mono + 2 cue), 8 subgroups, 4 stereo FX returns, 36 record buses
- 5 pairs of monitor outputs (Main + 3 Alt + Studio LS)
- Penny & Giles 8000 series faders throughout
- Semi-modular layout — three 12-channel bays + master + PD, each independently serviceable
- Single ASP8120 Ultra power supply (included)
- Built to order: PD position, DLC, patchbay, VESA mount, armrest, top trim all configurable
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Channels: 36 (80 inputs in in-line configuration) + Producer's Desk module
- Buses: 24-bus, 8 subgroups, 14 aux (12 mono + 2 cue), 36 record buses
- Frequency response, mic in to mix out: +0 / -0.3 dB, 20 Hz–20 kHz (at 6–40 dB gain)
- Frequency response, line in to mix out: +0 / -0.3 dB, 20 Hz–20 kHz (at 0 dB gain)
- THD+noise at +20 dBu output (mic in): below 0.005% at 1 kHz
- THD+noise at +20 dBu output (line in): below 0.005% at 1 kHz
- THD+noise at +20 dBu output (tape in): below 0.003% at 1 kHz
- Mic EIN (20–20 kHz, 150 Ω source): below -127.5 dBu
- Bus noise (no inputs routed): below -93 dBu
- Bus noise (36 inputs routed): below -78 dBu
- Mic CMRR: 70 dB (min gain) / 75 dB (max gain)
- Crosstalk / mute attenuation (short fader, long fader, mix assign, bus assign): above 90 dB at 1 kHz
- Maximum output into 2 kΩ (mix, bus, aux): above +26 dBu
- Mix insert send headroom: +28 dBu into 600 Ω
- Dimensions: approx. 239.0 x 106.5 x 99.9 cm (36 Ch + PD configuration)
- Weight: approx. 166 kg (365 lbs)
- Power: 1x ASP8120 Ultra (included)
